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Tag: Google

  • Google Increases Bounty for Its Android Security Rewards Program

    Google Increases Bounty for Its Android Security Rewards Program

    Google recently confirmed that the total bounty for its Android Security Rewards program would be expanded, with rewards reaching up to $1.5 million. The company said that if you happen to find a security bug that can compromise the Titan M secure element used in its Pixel 3 handsets, you’ll be rewarded with $1 million.

    Though if you find a bug that can be replicated on specific developer preview versions of Android, you’re entitled to a 50 per cent bonus, implying the total bounty reaches a staggering $1.5 million. Put simply, if you happen to find a security bug that meets these requirements, you’ll be rewarded with one of the biggest bounties in the industry.

    “In 2019 Gartner rated the Pixel 3 with Titan M as having the most ‘strong’ ratings in the built-in security section out of all devices evaluated. This is why we’ve created a dedicated prize to reward researchers for exploits found to circumvent the secure elements protections,” said Jessica Lin from the Android security team in a blog post. “

    Google explained that the bug report must reveal a full chain remote code execution exploit with persistence which compromises the Titan M secure element available on Pixel 3 devices. On the other hand, lock screen bypass and data exfiltration will be rewarded with a maximum of $500,000.

    Launched back in 2015, the Android Security Rewards program is a bug bounty program where white hat hackers receive rewards for finding bugs in Google’s Android OS. The company claims it has paid more than $ 4 million in rewards based on 1800 reports, since the program’s introduction four ago. Besides, Google also added that the company has given away more than $1.5 million in the last 12 months, with top reward this year reaching $161,337.

    “Over 100 participating researchers have received an average reward amount of over $3,800 per finding (46% increase from last year). On average, this means we paid out over $15,000 (20% increase from last year) per researcher!” Lin added.

    It’s also worth noting that the changes in bounty program have already gone live on November 21, 2019. You can find more details about the Android Security Rewards Program rules here.

  • Google Duplex Now Lets You Buy Cinema Tickets in the UK and US

    Google Duplex Now Lets You Buy Cinema Tickets in the UK and US

    Google Duplex, the Google Assistant-powered service, can now be used to book movie tickets on the web. Initially teased during I/O 2019, the service combines the use of Google Assistant and the Duplex AI phone tool with online ticketing operations across 70 exhibitors and services in the UK and US.

    At launch, users get to choose from more than 70 cinemas and ticketing services which include the likes of AMC, Odeon, Movietickets.com, Fandango, and MJR Theatres.

    “Ask the Assistant something like, ‘Hey Google, showtimes for [movie] in Phoenix this weekend. Or, you can do a search for movie times from the Google app on Android,” Google product manager Dan Ritter explained the service in a blog post.

    The software then guides you through the ticket purchase process, with another key factor being payment information which can be saved in the Chrome web browser.

    Users can search or ask Google Assistant to find out movie listings in their vicinity, and once they’ve found what they’re looking for, simply tap the ‘Buy Tickets’ button to start the process. You can then pick your seats, and enter the payment information if stored in the Chrome web browser. The whole idea behind Duplex is to make the process of booking movie tickets, seats, then completing the purchase more efficient and effortless.

    Overall, it appears to be a welcome feature given how clunky the digital marketplace can be, leaving would-be movie ticket buyers often frustrated. The new system will certainly help bridge the gap between search movie tickets online to the final purchase decision.

  • Google Stadia to Get 10 More Games at Launch

    Google Stadia to Get 10 More Games at Launch

    Earlier this month, Google announced that only 12 games would launch alongside its cloud-based Stadia game service. Though in what appears to be a sudden turn of events, the search engine giant has added 10 more titles to Google Stadia’s launch lineup. Hence, the service is now ready for launch with a total of 22 games, as opposed to 12 games announced earlier.

    The announcement was made by Google Stadia boss Phil Harrison. The news, however, shouldn’t come as a surprise as Google took some slack when it announced the initial launch lineup. It included a rather bleak lineup of 12 games, though Google will now add 10 more titles to the list with games such as Final Fantasy XV, NBA 2K 15, and Rage 2, to name a few.

    Below Is the Complete Launch Lineup for Google Stadia:

    Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
    Destiny 2: The Collection (free with Stadia Pro subscription)
    Gylt
    Just Dance 2020
    Kine
    Mortal Kombat 11
    Rise of the Tomb Raider
    Red Dead Redemption 2
    Samurai Shodown (free with Stadia Pro subscription)
    Shadow of the Tomb Raider
    Thumper
    Tomb Raider 2013
    Attack on Titan: Final Battle 2
    Farming Simulator 2019
    Final Fantasy XV
    Football Manager 2020
    Grid 2019
    Metro Exodus
    NBA 2K20
    Rage 2
    Trials Rising
    Wolfenstein: Youngblood

    Announced back in March, Google Stadia is slated for a release in November 2019 via a Founder Edition Bundle for $130. This edition includes three months of Stadia Pro which costs $10 a month. It lets you stream games up to 4K HDR at 60fps, includes a copy of Destiny 2, offers discounts on all games on Stadia store, as well as access to a collection of free games.

    The service is essentially a streaming platform built to run games without a high-end PC or console. All you need is a Chromecast and television which allows you to access high-resolution games via the cloud

  • Google Stadia Launch Lineup Revealed

    Google Stadia Launch Lineup Revealed

    Google has finally revealed the list of games launching with Google Stadia, the company’s cloud-based streaming platform which launches this month. The company has announced that it plans to offer 12 gaming titles when the platform launches on November 19. These include Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Destiny 2: The Collection, GYLT, Just Dance 2020, Kine, Mortal Kombat 11, Red Dead Redemption 2, Thumper, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, and Samurai Shodown.

    As you can see from the list above, few of Google Stadia’s launch titles include the likes of Red Dead Redemption 2 and Mortal Kombat 11, which are relatively new titles and have received rave reviews from both experts and gamers.

    Besides, there’s more to come in the coming months. Google has already confirmed a number of titles set to arrive on Google Stadia before the end of the year. These include the likes of Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle, Borderlands 3, Darksiders: Genesis, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, Farming Simulator 19, Final Fantasy XV, Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Grid, Metro Exodus, NBA 2K 2020, Rage 2, Trials Rising and Wolfenstein Youngblood.

    In case you didn’t know, Google Stadia is a streaming platform designed to run games without a high-end PC or console. All you’ll need is a Chromecast and television which allows you to access high-resolution games via the cloud.

    Announced back in March, Google Stadia is slated for a release in November 2019 via a Founder Edition Bundle for $130. This edition includes three months of Stadia Pro which costs $10 a month. It lets you stream games up to 4K HDR at 60fps, includes a copy of Destiny 2, offers discounts on all games on Stadia store, as well as access to a collection of free games.

    Besides, the Founder’s Edition also includes a Buddy Pass which you can gift to a friend for three months. It also includes the exclusive Stadia controller along with Chromecast Ultra.

  • Google Maps Gives Users the Ability to Manage Their Profiles

    Google Maps Gives Users the Ability to Manage Their Profiles

    Google Maps finally allows users to manage their profiles straight from the mobile app, a feature that wasn’t available earlier. With the new update, Android users now add their name, profile photo, a short bio, along with the ability to manage account setting and privacy tools directly from the Google Maps app.

    Users can manage their public profile from their phone via the new ‘your profile’ tab in the side menu. Users also get the option to hide their public contributions on their profile. To do so, just head over to Menu/Your profile/More/Profile settings and turn off Show contributions on your profile. That said, anyone will still be able to see your name, photo, and bio on your profile.

    Besides, users also get the option to make their profile invisible for businesses for added privacy.

    The option to manage and edit public profiles is a welcome change given the fact that Google Maps is built upon user contributions to fill in details. Though readers are reminded that being a server-side update, having the latest Google Maps app won’t guarantee that you’ll get this feature.

    For now, users will have to wait until Google makes it available for their device. Besides, there’s also no information about whether iOS users will get this option, as it does not show up there at the time of writing.

    That said, the feature is likely to arrive on iOS as well as Google is committed to improving the experience of Google Maps on all platforms. Back in October, the company announced a bunch of new features for the iPhone version of Google Maps, giving users the ability to report accidents, traffic jams, and speed traps. The feature arrived on Android earlier this year, and now both iOS and Android users can report about incidents such as road accidents, lane closures, along with other driving hazards such as obstacles or abandoned vehicles on the road.

  • Google Releases Android Security Patch for November 2019

    Google Releases Android Security Patch for November 2019

    Today, Google rolled out the newest Android security patch for November 2019 to address several security vulnerabilities and bug fixes in the latest Android 10 OS. The new Android security patch fixes as many as 38 security vulnerabilities in various of Android’s core components such as Android Framework, Android Library, Media framework, Android System, Kernel components, and Android components. Therefore, users are advised to install the Android Security Patch for November 2019 on their devices as soon as possible.

    One of the critical issues addressed by the latest security patch is a flaw that could allow a locally installed malicious app to bypass user permissions to gain access to additional app permissions. This vulnerability could allow a remote hacker to execute arbitrary code using a specifically crafted file, allowing the hacker to gain access to additional permissions.

    “The most severe of these issues is a critical security vulnerability in the System component that could enable a remote attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process. The severity assessment is based on the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would possibly have on an affected device,” explains the security bulletin.

    Google also released the Pixel Update for November 2019, which addresses as many as 21 vulnerabilities in the Linux Kernel components, Qualcomm components, LG components, and Android framework specific to Pixel devices. Besides, the latest update brings functional patches to offer various improvements to supported Pixel handsets. These include Smooth Display and Camera quality improvements for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.

    Besides, there’s additional support for Xbox Bluetooth controller mapping on Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, and Pixel 4 XL. Elsewhere, the latest patch brings improvements for bottom speaker audio quality on Pixel 3, along with improvements for Google Assistant keyword on Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3 XL.

  • Google confirms first Stadia Game Studios in Montreal

    Google confirms first Stadia Game Studios in Montreal

    Google Stadia is officially slated for a release on November 19. Now, the company has announced the first games studio that’ll be a part of Stadia Games and Entertainment. The studio will be based in Montreal and create exclusive games that utilize the cloud gaming platform.

    “Google’s very first exclusive studio will produce exclusive, original content across a diverse portfolio,” said industry veteran Jade Raymond. She further added the city’s rich gaming culture and heritage that launched multiple studios and many outstanding games.

    She also mentioned that Stadia Games and Entertainment will join hands with other studios to help them bring Stadia technology to other games and take them to the next level.

    “Stadia is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace; these diverse perspectives will shape the games we create together. We’re committed to building an environment that will empower the developers who work at Stadia to create new, unique gaming experiences,” said Jade Raymond.

    We’re just a few weeks away from Stadis’s November 19th release via a Founder Edition Bundle for $130. This edition includes three months of Stadia Pro which costs $10 a month. It lets you stream games up to 4K HDR at 60fps, includes a copy of Destiny 2, offers discounts on all games on Stadia store, as well as access to a collection of free games.

    Besides, the Founder’s Edition also includes a Buddy Pass which you can gift to a friend for three months. It also includes the exclusive Stadia controller along with Chromecast Ultra.

    The base subscription called Stadia Pro will be offered at $10/month. It gives players access to stream games at 4K resolution/60 frames-per-second. However, the service won’t offer all the games as new ones need to bought separately. Also, you’ll have to purchase the standalone Stadia controller which costs $70. Also, a free version of Stadia, called Stadia Base, is slated for a release sometime next year as well.

    Google also revealed a list of over 30 games that will be available for purchase when Google Stadia officially launches in November. These include the likes of Doom, Doom Eternal, Ghost Recon: Breakout, as well as other popular first-person shooters. Other Stadia games announced include Final Fantasy XV, Darksiders Genesis, Metro Exodus, The Divison 2, and many more. Both Mortal Kombat 11 and Battle for the Grid will also be available on launch day.

  • Google officially unveils the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL

    Google officially unveils the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL

    Google has officially unveiled the new Pixel 4 range at its Made by Google event in New York City. We already know a lot about these handsets thanks to an onslaught of leaks and rumors on the web. Therefore, as expected, the company announced two models of the handset called the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL.

    In terms of specs, the Pixel 4 gets a 5.7-inch OLED display while the Pixel 4 XL packs a 6.4-inch OLED screen. Both handsets offer a 90Hz display making it a significant upgrade over the Pixel 3. Under the hood, both handsets get powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor bundled with 6GB of RAM. As for storage, both models are offered in 64GB and 128GB storage options.

    In the photography department, both models feature a dual-lens primary camera setup, making it a first for the Pixel range. One is a 16MP standard lens while the other is a 12.2MP telephoto lens. For selfies, both devices come with an 8MP front-facing shooter.

    Another highlight with the new Pixel 4 range is the Motion Sense feature, which uses radar technology to detect hand movements. Now, this essentially allows users to interact with the device without touching the screen.

    Elsewhere, the smaller Pixel 4 gets a 2800 mAh battery, while the Pixel 4 XL packs a 3700 mAh battery.

    The Pixel 4 range also includes Google’s custom-built Titan M security chip to offer enhanced security to protect your sensitive data. As for OS, both handsets run the new Android 10. Besides, Google has also promised security updates for three years and access to Google’s advanced security features.

    The Pixel 4 range is offered in three color options. These include Just Black, Clearly White, and Oh So Orange. Both Pixel 4 models are now open for pre-orders, while shipping begins on October 24. The Pixel 4 starts at $799, while the Pixel 4 XL starts at $899.

  • Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL box contents and full specs leaked

    Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL box contents and full specs leaked

    Google will officially take the wraps off the Pixel 4 range at its Made by Google event on October 15th. The handset has been the subject of numerous leaks in the past. In fact, it was leaked so often that Google officially revealed a teaser image of the handset in June. Today, we have yet another leak of the handset that spills the beans about the handset’s innards along with its box contents.

    The new report falls in line with earlier leaks about the Pixel 4, confirming that both pixel devices will run the latest Snapdragon 855 processor bundled with 6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of built-in storage. Besides, the new leak mentions of a ‘Pixel Neural Core’, which is possibly some marketing related term that replaces last year’s ‘Pixel Visual Core’ terminology. Elsewhere, the leak confirms the presence of a 90Hz OLED screen on both models, dual rear cameras, along with the Titan M Security Module.

    Below is the complete spec sheet of Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 as per the latest leak.

    Google Pixel 4 Specs

    Display: 5.7″ Full HD+ Smooth Display (up to 90Hz OLED) – Ambient EQ
    Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 – Pixel Neural Core
    Memory: 6 GB RAM
    Storage: 64 GB or 128 GB
    Cameras: 12 MP Dual-Pixel & 16 MP Telephoto
    Battery: 2800 mAh
    Audio: Stereo speakers
    Features: Face unlock, Motion Sense
    OS: Android OS with 3 years of security and OS updates
    Security: Titan M Security Module

    Google Pixel 4 XL Specs

    Display – 6.3″ Quad HD+ Smooth Display (up to 90Hz OLED) – Ambient EQ
    Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 – Pixel Neural Core
    Memory: 6 GB RAM
    Storage: 64 GB or 128 GB
    Cameras: 12 MP Dual-Pixel & 16 MP Telephoto
    Battery: 3700 mAh
    OS: Android OS with 3 years of security and OS updates
    Audio: Stereo speakers
    Features: Face unlock, Motion Sense
    Security: Titan M Security Module

    Apart from the spec sheet, the leak also sheds light on the list of items that’ll be included in the box. These include an 18W USB-C charger, a 1-meter USB-C to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector pin, a Quick Switch Adapter, and Quick Start Guide.

    Leaks about the Pixel 4 are pouring thick and fast on an almost daily basis. At this rate, we wonder if there’ll be anything we did not know about when Google officially unveils these devices on October 15th.

  • Adware apps with over 500 million donwloads found in the PlayStore

    Adware apps with over 500 million donwloads found in the PlayStore

    Yet again, apps ridden with nasty malware were found in the PlayStore. Google has faced some serious criticism in recent months as malicious applications have often found a way to get into the Play Store. These sketchy applications witness millions of downloads before being deemed as dangerous and removed subsequently.

    The latest culprits happen to be four VPNs and two selfie apps, which have collectively racked up over 500 million installs. These apps contain harmful adware that seeks sensitive system information which according to researchers, can cause serious damage. The VPN apps in question include HotSpotVPN, Free VPN Master, Secure VPN, or CM Security Applock AntiVirus. All these four apps originate in China and bombard users’ with fraudulent ads. The four Android VPNs have been collectively installed more than 500 million times.

    “In case of outside ad fraud ads pop up while apps are running in the background or even outside the app environment (e.g. ad views placed on the home screen and covering app icons that users must reach to start new apps). As a user, not only do I think it’s treacherous for a privacy app to abruptly intrude my phone screen, but the constant HTTP requests keep the phone CPU heated and drain phone battery,” researcher Andy Michael wrote in a blog post.

    Meanwhile, the two camera apps deemed as a security risk are Sun Pro Beauty Camera and Funny Sweet Beauty Selfie Camera. Both of these apps were identified by security researchers to have racked up more than 1.5 million downloads infecting devices with adware. These camera apps were bombarding screens with full-screen ads and even continued to display ads when the pop-up remained unopened.

    Security researchers at Wandera suggest that the permissions requested by these apps can cause more harm than just filling screens with fraudulent ads. These include installing shortcuts, serving fake system alerts, as well as recording audio without user permission.

    “Intrusive out-of-app ads interrupt users in the middle of their workflow, brick their devices, drain the device battery, and in some cases, infected devices need to be replaced altogether,” explained security researchers at Wandera.

    Naturally, researchers have advised that if any of these apps are installed on your device, you should delete them right away.

  • Google announces expected Pixel 4 event for October 15: ‘Made by Google’

    Google announces expected Pixel 4 event for October 15: ‘Made by Google’

    Save the date. Google has finally announced its next big event for Tuesday, October 15, where we expect the company to take the wraps off the Pixel 4. The company has sent out press invites for the said date for its ‘Made by Google’ event. During last year’s event, Google announced the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, a new Chromebook, and the Home Hub. Therefore, at this year’s event, we expect to see Pixel 4 revealed.

    Google’s upcoming flagship has already witnessed a barrage of leaks. And thanks to the bevy of online leaks, Google also confirmed back in June what the phone will look like. The company teased an image that revealed a large, square camera bump on the back of the device. Also, the image showed a phone without a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. Google also showed off a bunch of features for the Pixel 4, which include motion-sensing technology and the ability to unlock the phone just by looking at it, much-like Apple’s Face ID feature.

    Dual-camera system incoming

    However, the one major upgrade this year is widely believed to be the new dual-lens camera system with a new telephoto lens capable of zooming in on subjects. The primary camera will also get the ability to take fast-action pictures with the new ‘Motion Mode’. Besides, there’ll be an astrophotography mode, which gives the phone the ability to take low-light shots with the Milky Way in the background.

    The other big feature is arguably the hands-free gestures to control the phone. With gesture controls, Pixel 4 users would have the ability to control the phone and apps with gestures from above the screen.

    As per earlier reports, the Pixel 4 is expected to get powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 processor. Besides, leaks also hint at 6GB RAM for both Pixel 4 models, which would be an upgrade on the 4GB RAM found on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. However, leaks suggest the Pixel 4 will be offered in 64GB and 128GB storage options, same as last year’s Pixel 3 range. The Pixel 4 is expected to be offered in black, white, and coral color schemes.

  • New Google Pixel 4 XL hands-on video leaked

    New Google Pixel 4 XL hands-on video leaked

    It appears the upcoming Pixel 4 has already beaten its predecessor when it comes to leaks. So far, there’s been no shortage of rumors about Google’s next flagship, set for a release in October. Just last week, we came across a promo video of handset showcasing its camera prowess and gesture control features. Now, the Pixel 4 has shown up not one, but two hands-on videos, giving us the most comprehensive look yet at Google’s next flagship.

    The first video shows a six and a half minute clip of the white color model. It features a matte black panel as well as matte black sides. The black and white color scheme indeed reminds one of panda styling of the Pixel 2 XL.

    Elsewhere, the video suggests that the Pixel 4 will feature a display panel with a refresh rate of 90Hz, which falls in line with earlier rumors of the device. The video shows a menu setting for a setting called ‘Smooth Display’, which lets you switch from 60Hz to 90Hz, depending on what content is on display. To avoid battery drain, users will also get the option to turn off Smooth Display.

    Furthermore, the hands-on video shows an Ambient EQ feature, something similar to Apple’s True Tone display. It essentially adjusts the color temperature of the screen, depending on the ambient light.

    Finally, the video shows a hardware detection app running on the Pixel 4 XL, revealing key specs of the device. It shows that the handset has a 6.23-inch display with a resolution of 3040×1440 pixels. Powering the handset is the Snapdragon 855 processor paired with 6GB of RAM.

    The second video, on the other hand, reveals all three colors of the Pixel 4 XL. These include a white, black, and a coral/orange version.

    Image Credits: Rabbit TV (YouTube)

    Google is expected to announce the Pixel 4 range sometime in October officially. An exact date isn’t announced so far, though rumor has it that the event could take place on October 15. More leaks about the Pixel 4 are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Leaked Google Pixel 4 ad shows-off gesture controls, low-light camera prowess

    Leaked Google Pixel 4 ad shows-off gesture controls, low-light camera prowess

    Google is expected to announce the Pixel 4 range sometime in October, and leaks about the upcoming flagship are flying thick and fast. The latest leak appears to be a genuine Pixel 4 video promo, sent to ProAndroid by a reader. The video confirms the presence of gesture controls, an astrophotography mode, as well as massive low-light camera improvements.

    Google has already teased a video which shows off how users will be able to control the Pixel 4 without touching the screen, just by hand gestures. And the latest leaked TV commercial showcases the Soli-powered gesture control feature. With gesture controls, Pixel 4 users would have the ability to control the phone and apps with gestures from above the screen.

    Besides, the promo video also boasts about the Pixel 4’s low-light camera prowess, along with the ability to take impressive shots of the stars.

    A recent leak indicated that Google is prepping a new feature called ‘Motion Mode,’ which allows users to take high-quality action shots without any blur. The feature would come in real handy while shooting sports and action shots. The same leak also tipped at an 8x zoom and capabilities for astrophotography – such as the ability to take low-light shots with the Milky Way in the background. And the latest promo video indeed suggests that Google plans to give Pixel 4 the ability to take photos of the stars.

    You can check out the leaked Google Pixel 4 promo below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoGaGe10VyY

    As per earlier reports, the Pixel 4 is expected to get powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 processor. Besides, leaks also hint at 6GB RAM for both Pixel 4 models, which would be an upgrade on the 4GB RAM found on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. However, leaks suggest the Pixel 4 will be offered in 64GB and 128GB storage options, same as last year’s Pixel 3 range.

    Besides, Google also plans to upgrade the face unlock mechanism with its new Pixel range. The latest video shows how a user unlocks the Pixel 4 by looking at it, similar to how Face ID works.

    Google is expected to launch the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL sometime in October, while shipping is likely to begin later that month. More leaks about the Pixel 4 are expected to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • New Google Pixel 4 leak tips at major camera upgrades

    New Google Pixel 4 leak tips at major camera upgrades

    The Google Pixel 4 is all set for a release sometime in October. Past leaks have given us a fairly good idea about what to expect from Google’s upcoming flagship. Now, the latest rumor tips that massive camera upgrades are on the cards for the Pixel 4. A new report by 9to5Google suggests that the bulky camera on the back of the Pixel 4 will have a new feature called Motion Mode, allowing users to take high-quality action shots with the least amount of blur.

    The report further adds that the popular Night Mode would also get an upgrade. Therefore, users will be able to take even better photos in low-light conditions with the Pixel 4, such as shots of a starry night.

    Key sources indicate that both Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will pack a dual-lens camera for the first time – a standard 12MP lens and a 16MP telephoto lens. Rumor also has it that the telephoto lens will come with 8x zoom capabilities.

    As per earlier leaks, the Pixel 4 is expected to get powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 processor. Besides, leaks also hint at 6GB RAM for both Pixel 4 models, which would be an upgrade on the 4GB RAM found on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. However, leaks suggest the Pixel 4 will be offered in 64GB and 128GB storage options, same as last year’s Pixel 3 range.

    Another major feature of the upcoming flagship would be the ability to control the phone and apps with gestures from above the screen. Google teased a video a few months back, which shows off how users will be able to control the Pixel 4 without touching the screen, just by hand gestures. Besides, Google also plans to upgrade the face unlock mechanism with its new Pixel range. The latest video shows how a user unlocks the Pixel 4 by looking at it, similar to how Face ID works.

    Google is expected to launch the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL sometime in October, while shipping is likely to begin later that month. More leaks about the Pixel 4 are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Google Pixel users facing issues after Android 10 update

    Google Pixel users facing issues after Android 10 update

    Google recently began rolling out the latest Android 10 update to all Pixel devices. However, several Pixel users have reported issues related to sensors after updating their phones to the newest version of Android. Key sources suggest that some Pixel users are reporting dead sensors after updating to Android 10.

    Several users have come out and reported the issue on XDA Forums, Pixel Phone Help forum, and Google Issue Tracker. With this bug, users are experiencing problems with features such as Active Edge functionality, auto-rotate, auto-brightness, double-tap to wake, and lift-to-wake. Besides, it appears that Pixel 3 XL users are mostly facing the bug, as only one user has reported about the issue on his first-gen Pixel.

    “When I make a phone call, the screen goes dark and no swiping or pressing of the power button brings the screen back on. If the call goes to voicemail, you can’t see the dial pad to respond to prompts,” reads a user complaint on Google Issue Tracker.

    For now, it appears there’s no way to bypass the bug as Google is yet to release a fix for the same. Users affected by the bug have reported that downgrading to Android 9 Pie is one way to get your sensors up and running.

    That said, it doesn’t seem to be a widespread issue. In the meantime, if you haven’t updated to Android 10 on your Pixel yet, we’d suggest that you wait for a few days before going ahead with the update.

    Google started rolling out the latest version of its Android OS to Pixel phone users on Tuesday. As expected, Android 10 brings several tweaks and performance improvements. Some of the highlights in Android 10 include the new gesture system, improved Privacy Settings, new Focus Mode, along with the ability to save photos in HEIF format.

    Android 10 also happens to be the first version of Android that doesn’t have a dessert name. Google decided to ditch dessert-themed names, global users because global found it easier to relate to numbers instead of cookies or desserts.